The
Superb Fairywren (
Malurus cyaneus) is a
passerine bird common and familiar across south-eastern Australia. The species is sedentary and
territorial, also exhibiting a high degree of
sexual dimorphism: the male in breeding plumage (shown here) has a striking bright blue forehead, ear
coverts, mantle, and tail, with a black mask and black or dark blue throat, while non-breeding males, females and juveniles are predominantly grey-brown in colour.
Photo: JJ Harrison